For immediate release: Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Contact: Oversight and Government Reform Press Office, (202) 225-5051

Chairman Towns Expands MMS Investigation

Sends inquiry to Schlumberger

Washington – Chairman Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-NY) has broadened the committee’s investigation into the Minerals Management Service (MMS) by asking Schlumberger, who was reportedly a subcontractor for BP and had workers on the Deepwater Horizon just hours before it exploded, for information on their involvement with BP, MMS and other Deepwater Horizon contractors.

“We are trying to gain a better understanding of the events leading up to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and the oil spill currently plaguing the Gulf Coast,” explained Chairman Towns in a letter to Schlumberger Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Gould.  “A detailed account of Schlumberger’s involvement with BP is critical to our investigation.”

Last month, Chairman Towns opened the committee’s investigation into the management, operation, and effectiveness of the MMS, including matters relating to the Deepwater Horizon explosion.  Additionally, the committee is investigating “revolving door” issues, conflicts of interest within MMS and MMS’s apparent lack of oversight of offshore oil rigs.

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Documents and Links

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Letter from Chairman Edolphus Towns to Andrew Gould